Plyometric exercise is a type of exercise that has a goal of stretching muscles to their limit and then quickly contracting them. Plyometric exercises help make your movements more forceful and powerful. They are mostly used by athletes to help increase their jump distance or sprinting speed. By using plyometrics you can improve your agility and increase the power in your muscles.

By stretching the muscles, you are filling them with potential for movement. Once you start the next set of motion, your movement will be powered by your muscle’s full potential. For example, just before shooting a basket, a basketball player will dip slightly with their needs to give their jump the full force of their muscles. It produces a powerful movement upwards.

Plyometric drills are exercises that help improve the stretch-shortening cycle. When you improve this cycle, you can improve the power of your movements. The movements are done in many repetitions and they normally mimic the movements of the sport. The following exercises are good for vertical jumping.

Squat jumps: Stand with your feet shoulder width apart. Flex your arms and hold them at a 90-degree angle. Lower your stance so that your knees are bent and your thighs are equal to the ground. Jump upwards and bring your hands up over your head. It’s important to quickly move from the neutral position to the squatting position and from the squatting position to the jump. It should be one smooth movement. Rest for two seconds and repeat.

Jump to Box: Get a solid box that is no higher than your knees. Stand facing the box with your feet slightly wider than your hips. Lower your body into a semi-squat. Immediately from this squat position, jump onto the box. Step gently back down and then repeat the jump. Rest for two seconds and repeat.

There are many fitness blogs and other websites out there that teach plyometric exercises. Just be optimistic with your workout routine and never give up. Plyometric exercise can and will provide excellent results!